Scientists find gene causing type 2 diabetes

Scientists have identified the gene for type 2 diabetes, a breakthrough offering hope of a test to predict those predisposed to developing one of the most common illnesses in older people.

The research, by British and Canadian scientists, pinpoints the set of genes which appears to raise the risk of adult-onset. It identifies five genetic variants linked to the condition which, the academics say, explain up to 70% of the genetic background of type 2 diabetes.

The results of the research, published in the journal Nature, show that people with the disease have a mutation in a particular zinc transporter known as SLC30A8, which is involved in regulating insulin secretion. As type 2 diabetes is caused by a deficiency in insulin, the researchers believe it may be possible to treat it by fixing this transporter.

The study's co-author, Philippe Froguel, a professor at Imperial College London, said: "The two major reasons why people develop type 2 diabetes are obesity and a family link. Our new findings mean we can create a good genetic test to predict people's risk of developing this type of diabetes.

"If we can tell someone their genetics mean they are pre disposed towards type 2 diabetes, they will be much more motivated to change things, such as their diet, to reduce their chances of developing the disorder. We can also use what we know about the specific genetic mutations associated with type 2 diabetes to develop better treatments."

Adult onset can cause severe complications, if not properly treated, such as blindness, amputations and kidney disease.

Of some 2 million diabetes sufferers, 90% are type 2, the late-onset variant often blamed on obesity which afflicts adults whose body does not make enough insulin. Numbers of type 2 sufferers are expected to increase by a half over the next decade.